This is the 8 string version of Mirror Tuning® I invented this tuning concept in 2015. Thank you, Senchant™.
More information can be found at https://senchant.com/mirror-tuning/.

Verbal Analysis

The 8 string Mirror Tuning® is an extremely unique and expansive setup, offering a vast sonic palette from the subterranean depths of E0 to the shimmering heights of F5#. It pushes the boundaries of an 8-string guitar, moving far beyond conventional low-end extensions. The tuning encourages exploration of wide voicings, dissonant textures, and powerful, rumbling bass lines, coupled with piercing highs. It allows for a fresh and unconventional approach to harmony and melody, making it ideal for experimental genres, ambient soundscapes, or creating truly unique sonic signatures.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features the following open notes from lowest to highest string:

• String 8 (lowest): E0
• String 7: B0
• String 6: G1
• String 5: D2
• String 4: A2
• String 3: E3
• String 2: B3
• String 1 (highest): F5#

The interval structure between adjacent strings is as follows:

• String 8 to 7 (E0-B0): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 7 to 6 (B0-G1): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• String 6 to 5 (G1-D2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 to 4 (D2-A2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 4 to 3 (A2-E3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 3 to 2 (E3-B3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 2 to 1 (B3-F5#): Octave + Tritone (18 semitones) - a remarkably wide leap!

This tuning offers an enormous overall range of over five octaves, from the extremely low E0 to the very high F5#. The lower strings (E0, B0, G1, D2) create a deep, resonant foundation, with intervals that allow for rich, open voicings suitable for crushing riffs or ambient textures. The middle strings (D2, A2, E3, B3) feature consecutive perfect fifths and fourths, making familiar power chords and diatonic shapes easily accessible across these strings. The most striking feature is the massive jump between the 2nd (B3) and 1st (F5#) strings, creating an Octave + Tritone interval (18 semitones). This interval is highly dissonant in isolation but can be used to great effect for dramatic leads, unusual harmonics, or tapping passages that span a vast register, creating a unique, bright, and cutting top end.

Open Chords and Voicings

While not immediately conducive to standard open major/minor chords due to its unique construction, the tuning lends itself to specific harmonic possibilities:

• The lowest four strings (E0 B0 G1 D2) can form dense, dark voicings like an open E minor sus4 (E-B-D-G, reordered) or elements of a G major chord.
• The middle section, specifically strings 5-3 (D2 A2 E3), provides a strong base for solid power chords (e.g., D5 on strings 5-4, A5 on strings 4-3, E5 across 3-empty). These are within easy reach and provide familiar anchor points.
• The perfect 4th between E3 and B3 on strings 3 and 2 is versatile for melodic lines or harmonized intervals.
• The dramatic leap to F5# allows for incredible sonic contrast. You can create very wide voicings by combining lower notes with this high F5#, or use it for piercing lead melodies. The combination of B3 and F5# can create a unique, tense, and bright timbre.

This tuning is clearly designed for players looking to explore beyond traditional harmony, using its vast range and distinctive intervals to craft distinct and powerful soundscapes.

How to Tune

Achieving the 8 string Mirror Tuning® involves significant adjustments from a standard setup. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with caution. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to maintain appropriate string tension, intonation, and prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.

• String 8 (E0): Tune down 9 semitones.

  Recommendation: This is a significant drop; a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised.

• String 7 (B0): Tune down 12 semitones.

  Recommendation: Tuning down a full octave requires a considerably heavier gauge string to maintain playability and tension.

• String 6 (G1): Tune down 9 semitones.

  Recommendation: This is a significant drop; a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised.

• String 5 (D2): Tune down 7 semitones.

  Recommendation: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.

• String 4 (A2): Tune down 5 semitones.

  Recommendation: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.

• String 3 (E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (F5#): Tune up 2 semitones.

String 8: E0 (Lowest String)

String 7: B0

String 6: G1

String 5: D2

String 4: A2

String 3: E3

String 2: B3

String 1: F5# (Highest String)